I woke up and looked over at the sleeping Maria. She looked beautiful. I was so happy, I never wanted this feeling to end, so that's when I had the best idea.
I got up quietly hoping that I would not disturb my love. I pulled on my Tommy Jeans and a white wifebeater and a Ralph Lauren shirt and wrote a note to Maria in case she woke before I got back. I knew she'd sleep till then. Even if she didn't, I knew she wouldn't go to Kevin's. She's very shy even when I'm with her.
Ria,
Hey babe. I'm sorry I had to rush out. Kevin needed me to run to the store with him to get something. Sorry, I'll be back soon.
Love You,
Howie
I kissed her softly hoping she wouldn't stir. I walked out of the hotel whistling.
~Meanwhile~
"Hey, Michelle, whatcha doing?" Maria asked after dialing the number to Kevin's and Michelle's room.
"Just sittin' around. Why?" She responded.
"I thought since Kevin and Howie were out...Maybe we could hang out."
"Um...Kevin's right here."
Maria was perplexed. "He's what?"
"Kevy," Maria heard the phone be covered and muffled voices.
"Yellow?" Came Kevin's confused voice.
"Do you know where Howie is?" Maria asked her temper rising.
"Nope, why?"
"He told me he was shopping with you..." She felt the confusion pound her head. 'Where is he?' she asked herself.
"Nevermind Kev. I probably just got things confused." She managed before hanging the reciever on the base. She sat there for a moment stunned and hurt that Howie would lie to her...
~Howie~
"Are you sure, sir?" The man behind the counter asked. I examined the beautiful diamond ring between my fingers.
"Definitely." I paid the man and walked out of the store on Cloud 9.
I entered our room and noticed that Maria's stuff was gone and there was not one trace of her. I knocked furiously on Kevin and Michelle's door.
"What man?" Kevin asked answering the door only towel-clad.
"Do you know where she is?"
"Who?"
"Maria! Damnit." I felt the fear boiling.
"Look, D, if you're messing around with someone, you need to be straight..."
"What the fuck are you talking about?" I shouted angry.
He patted my shoulder, "She knows you weren't with me this morning so she assumed you were with someone else."
I felt the tears welling in my eyes but then my determination took over, "I'm going to find her."
I packed my bags and went to the airport. I was an important guy and I was damn sure to find out where Maria had gone and if she'd used a plane to get there.
Sure enough she'd bought a ticket to New Mexico. I did as well. I was not letting her go. Not this time.
Chapter Nine
Chapter Eleven
Howie Fanfiction Index
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Backstreet Island